(Newser)
–
An elderly Illinois couple has something to be thankful for after a repo man who took their car had a change of heart and helped them get it paid off. Illini Asset Recovery co-owner Jim Ford tells KTRK-TV that after repossessing the Buick from Stan and Pat Kippling, he pulled over to call the bank in order to see if he could pay it off for the couple, who reminded him of his late grandparents. Ford set up an online fundraiser and says he raised the bulk of the cash needed in the first eight hours, reports the AP. The newly paid off car was returned to the Kipplings on Monday. Stan Kippling says getting the car back is "just like hitting the lottery." (Read more uplifting news stories.)